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Stem Cell Disorders Due to Abnormal Development and Maturation in Cats

Myelodysplastic Syndromes in Cats

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders affecting the cat's hematopoietic stem cells, which forms the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These disorders are characterized by the abnormal development and maturation of hematopoietic stem cells, and may be primary (congenital) or secondary (due to cancer, drugs exposure, and/or infections).

Diagnosis

You will need to give a thorough history of your cats’s health, including the onset and nature of the symptoms, to your veterinarian. He or she will then conduct a complete physical examination, as well as a biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and complete blood count (CBC). Blood testing is especially important in making the diagnosis, as it may reveal abnormal reduction in the number of blood cells (cytopenia). In some cats, megaloblastic anemia is also seen.

Other abnormal findings may include large, bizarre platelets and immature granulocytes (type of white blood cells) with abnormal shape and sizes. Your veterinarian will also take bone marrow sample to evaluate the red blood cell and white blood cells production process and identify abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment is usually non-specific unless the underlying cause is identified. Often, cats suffering from myelodysplastic syndromes are prone to severe complications, such as infections, and require intensive nursing care. In these cases, these animal will undergo antibiotic therapy until their white blood cell count normalizes. These cats are also more susceptible to severe anemia and hemorrhages and will require multiple blood transfusions.

Living and Management

Regular blood testing is required throughout treatment to evaluate the animal's progress. Unfortunately, the overall prognosis of these animals is not good, even after treatment. Maintaining the cat stable is, however, necessary to prevent further aggravation of symptoms.

prognosis

The prediction of a disease’s outcome in advance

urinalysis

An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness

neutropenia

A decrease in the number of neutrophilic leukocytes in an animal’s blood

estrogen

The type of female hormone produced in the ovaries that contributes to sex drive and female characteristics

dysplasia

A condition in which growth and development are not up to normal standards

anemia

A condition of the blood in which normal red blood cell counts or hemoglobin are lacking.